Tag: power of attorney

When it comes to emergency room visits, I probably have been more times than the average person due to the nature of my job. But this year with the flu hitting near epidemic levels not only just in Alabama but also nationwide, emergency room visits have been experienced by many. Trips to the ER can be a scary situation at any age. The ER can prove particularly challenging for the elderly. Here are some suggestions to help you keep it cool when you find yourself in the hot seat taking a senior loved one to the ER.

Emergency Files

The first week on the job as a brand-new administrator I found myself headed to the ER following an ambulance with one of my residents who I had obviously just met that week. Now mind you, I had called their family and notified the proper folks of the situation. But for a short time, it was just me and this resident (who was experiencing chest pains) in a room in the ER as they were being seen by the doctors and nurses. I was grateful for a paperwork process that was in place in our community so I had the answers to the questions that were being asked by hospital personnel. We use what we call an Emergency Red File for each resident in our community for such an occasion. Inside we keep copies of the residents’ most recent medical exam and plan of care, insurance cards and other ID as well as advance directives and Power of Attorney documentation if they have them. It is called a red file because well, it’s red in color. Our local hospital staff has gotten very acclimated to our “red files” and it makes registration and getting medical staff some initial information on the resident so much easier. It also helps keep the resident calm because they aren’t having to give answers to so many questions. Our families appreciate this as well. They are usually a barrel of nerves at the call that their loved one is being taken to the ER anyway. It is a relief for us to go ahead and have all of this information readily available. Most regulations require assisted living communities to have this as part of the chart and way. It is so much easier to have this type of file ready to go at a moment’s notice versus stopping to make copies. We just make sure to secure them in a safe location, update them as appropriate and add the most recent medication list at an emergency occurrence.

Pack like a Pro

In addition to an emergency file, having a small bag packed is a huge help. I have been in situations where family members couldn’t get to the hospital that day due to travel outside the country, illness and more. I’m typically going to ensure that the resident has someone with them to be there and comfort them and so that I can get the information to pass along to the family. That is why having a bag packed and ready is a huge help. Now, this bag doesn’t need to be big and bulky or loaded down and cumbersome. But there are a few items I would suggest to take to help the resident and you be set up for as smooth “as possible” visit to the ER. Some things to consider packing include:

Depends (pads, etc) for residents that require them

Snacks (for both you and the resident)

Phone charger

Small blanket

Water bottle(s)

Wipes

Ziplock bag

Now I know that most hospitals can provide you with many of these items. But it doesn’t take much preparation to have these things ready to go. Sure, there are some emergency situations that emotions will be high and some of these items will be the last thing on your mind. But if you make gathering this and your emergency file part of your process, they can make a tough situation a little more bearable. Remember that these items may be necessary for your resident and you. So, pack accordingly. I suffer from migraine headaches. My triggers for them include multiple things. But ranking up pretty high include: stress, dehydration and skipping meals. I’m no good to anyone else and can’t take care of them if I don’t take care of myself. I say all of this to say that proper planning can help you be more effective to your residents and their families.

Blog note*

At present date, the Alabama Department Health has made the following recommendations regarding visiting the ER or doctor’s office for FLU RELATED ISSUES:

“For people with mild to moderate flu or flu-like symptoms, please do not go to your doctor’s office without calling first and do not go to the emergency room. Please call your doctor to see if you are eligible for antivirals without an appointment. Many insurance companies now have a “call a provider” service to help with mild to moderate illnesses; please take advantage of this service before going to doctor or hospital. Mild to moderate cases of the flu usually do not require a hospital visit. Patients who do visit an emergency department or outpatient clinic should be aware of long wait times.”

As with all emergency situations use your best judgment, especially when it comes to an elderly person who may have a reduced immune system.